Common Mistakes to Avoid When Waterproofing Commercial Windows
Correctly waterproofing commercial windows is crucial for protecting and preserving your building. If the windows are not properly waterproofed, water can find its way into your building. This can not only cause unseemly watermarks and stains but also cause mold growth and mildew that can be detrimental to human health. If enough water finds its way into the building, it can cause structural damage and raise energy costs.
Common Mistakes in Waterproofing Commercial Windows
Failure to Clean Widows Beforehand – If the windows are not prepared before the waterproofing process, the sealant or waterproofing system will be applied over any dirt or dust that was left on the window. This can cause the sealant to break down quickly and not adhere correctly to the surface.
Incorrect Installation – To ensure the durability of the waterproofing system, it is crucial that it is properly installed. If it is not installed correctly, it could cause water intrusion, poor seals around the window frame, and costly repairs.
Incompatible or Low-Quality Materials – When waterproofing materials are not used correctly, it can compromise the effectiveness of the system and cost you more money over time. Many companies that manufacture waterproofing products offer warranties that may be voided if they are not used in the correct applications.
Neglecting Flashing or Joints – Waterproofing is a preventive maintenance effort and if flashing and joints are neglected in this effort, it can cause the deterioration of your commercial building. If you hire a company that doesn’t install proper flashing or seal joints due to inadequate training or cost-cutting, it can cause water damage and expensive maintenance costs and repairs.
Make Sure Your Windows are Protected with Taylor Waterproofing
At Taylor Waterproofing, our team is provided with comprehensive and proper training so these mistakes don’t happen on our watch. We prioritize expertise when it comes to waterproofing and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and best practices. When you become a customer with us, you can rest assured that your windows and full building will be protected and properly waterproofed. To talk to a team member about your waterproofing needs, contact us through our website here.
Why Should You Waterproof Your Commercial Building?
As a building owner or property manager, waterproofing your commercial building is an important part of contributing to the longevity and safety of your building. When you waterproof your commercial building, it is a proactive measure that prevents water damage and other related issues. Waterproofing is an essential component of any building maintenance program.
Reasons to Waterproof Your Commercial Building
- Protect Your Investment: Waterproofing helps preserve your building and prevents damage. Water damage can cause aesthetic and structural issues. Preventing these problems will allow you to maintain property value. You will also protect any interior assets, such as computers, furniture, inventory, and equipment, from being damaged by preventing potential leaks and flooding.
- Reduce Maintenance and Repair Costs: Waterproofing your building is an upfront cost that saves you money in the long run. The longer a leak or water damage is left, the more expensive it will be to repair and replace the materials. When you invest in waterproofing, you are reducing energy consumption and reducing energy costs by preventing air and water leaks and helping to regulate the indoor temperature.
- Prevent Mold and Mildew: If water damage isn’t resolved and water sits for extended periods of time on the drywall and insulation, mold and mildew will develop. By preventing moisture accumulation, you can reduce the health risks associated with mold and mildew and improve the air quality for your building’s occupants.
- Extend Your Building’s Lifespan: By preventing these damages and making the most out of your maintenance plan, you increase the longevity of your commercial building. A well-maintained building is one that lasts.
- Maintain Your Building’s Safety: Water infiltration can compromise your building’s structural stability. Water damage weakens your building and reduces its durability. These can cause major long-term issues and threaten the safety of the building. This can also cause you to not be in compliance with building codes and safety regulations.
Whether you are seeking guidance on preventative measures or solutions for existing issues, we’re here to provide the expertise you need. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to addressing any concerns you may have regarding commercial waterproofing and your building’s longevity. Contact us through our website or delve deeper into our services by exploring our informative blog here.
Commercial & Industrial Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy is a high-quality, long-lasting flooring option that is often used for commercial and industrial purposes. This flooring is easy to keep clean and can be used to resurface concrete floors that are porous and break down quicker than epoxy floors. The material is waterproof and seamless so is perfect for industries that work with spills or need a sterile working environment.
Here are some of the top benefits of commercial & industrial epoxy flooring uses.
Epoxy Flooring Benefits for Industrial Uses
Chemical-Resistant: In an industrial environment, such as a manufacturing plant or warehouse, chemicals may be part of the everyday routine. While this can cause damage to some types of flooring, epoxy is resistant to solvents, acids, alkalis, and corrosive materials.
Abrasion and Impact-Resistant: When you have an industrial business, heavy equipment and accidents, such as dropping tools, can cause scratches and damage to the floors. This makes epoxy a good option for high-traffic areas.
Longevity: Because of the benefits epoxy provides, it makes this flooring extremely durable. This helps customers in the industrial industries save money and reduce the cost of maintenance.
Epoxy is perfect for warehouses, manufacturing plants, auto services, research labs, sterile areas, and more.
Epoxy Flooring Benefits for Commercial Uses
Slip-resistant: If you have a commercial or retail business, you want to keep your employees and customers safe while also protecting your company. Having slip-resistant flooring like epoxy is a great way to prevent and reduce slips and falls.
Decorative Options: Epoxy comes in many colors and patterns. It is a great way to spruce up your building or business while also getting tons of practical benefits.
Easy to Clean and Stain-Resistant: Epoxy looks good year after year and is easy to maintain. This flooring is perfect for businesses looking to maximize their investments.
Epoxy is perfect for commercial kitchens, retail stores, hotels, hallways, and more.
To talk to one of our team members about commercial & industrial epoxy flooring, or your building’s waterproofing needs, contact us through our website here.
Waterblasting Benefits for Commercial Buildings
There are many waterblasting benefits that can help your commercial building stay in good condition. Waterblasting is a popular way to clean commercial buildings. This method of cleaning comes with many benefits to improve the look of your building and help you save money on repairs. It uses a high-pressure nozzle to spray water. When done at this level of pressure, it removes stains and pollutants without toxic or abrasive chemicals.
Waterblasting Benefits
Maintenance – Waterblasting cuts down on the need for future repairs and is a great way to maintain your commercial building. This reduces your overall maintenance and repair costs.
Sealant or Coating Prep – If you are having a sealant or coating applied or reapplied, it’s a great way to prep the area or wall. It cleans off dirt, grime, and oils that could prevent the coating from adhering.
Versatile – Waterblasting can be done on many different materials without negatively affecting the building. Waterblasting can be used for cleaning concrete, wood, stones, metal, and more. It can also be used on walls, floors, driveways, and other areas of your property.
Aesthetics – When your building is clean, it looks nice and attractive. Waterblasting removes mold, stains, dirt, grease, mildew, and old paint. Not only does this help with the look of your building but it can also raise your property value.
Health and Safety – Mold and mildew are safety concerns for your building’s occupants. If left untreated, the mold and mildew could work their way into the interior of your building and negatively impact the occupants’ health.
Waterblasting is a great way to improve your building’s appearance and cut down on repair costs. It is a great addition to your building’s waterproofing regiment and regular maintenance. Contact us here to learn more about waterblasting benefits and if it would be a good option for your building.
What Building Managers Need to Know about Commercial Waterproofing
If you own or manage a commercial building, your schedule is probably packed with a long to-do list. One thing that sometimes gets overlooked is waterproofing and inspections. This is a mistake when trying to protect and maintain the building. Being proactive with waterproofing will save you money in the long run on costly repairs. Here are some important things that building managers need to know about commercial waterproofing.
Why is Commercial Waterproofing Important?
Water damage not only causes cosmetic damage but can be detrimental to the health of the building occupants and cause structural damage to your building. If left untreated, water damage can cause mold and mildew growth in the building, causing health concerns. Waterproofing before these damages occur can ensure the longevity of your building and save you on repairs.
What Causes Leaks or Other Water Damage?
There are many places where water damage and leaks can happen. Water can leak out of pipes, from the roof, and even infiltrate the walls and interior of the building through concrete. A professional will assess the damage and determine the cause.
Using the Right Sealant
There are many different types of sealants and coatings that are made from different materials, such as silicone, acrylic, and polyurethane. Some sealants go on clear or glossy, while some act more as paint. Others have a thicker consistency for filling in gaps and joints. The one you decide on will be based on your waterproofing goals, the material you’re planning on waterproofing, and the aesthetic you are trying to achieve. Our team can give you all your options and help you pick what material is right for your project and building.
Concrete Needs to be Waterproofed
Whether it’s the concrete of the foundation, in the parking garage, or the floors inside of your building, concrete needs to be waterproofed. Water can seep into the pores of the concrete and cause the metal reinforcement to corrode or cause water damage to the surrounding areas. There are many options for waterproofing concrete and depends on where the concrete is located.
Inspections are Key
When it comes to waterproofing, inspections will help you stay proactive. A professional inspection will pinpoint where there is damage or where there could potentially be damage in the future and assess if any materials or sealants need to be replaced. This will prevent water intrusion and stop any leaks from getting worse.
Our team can help building managers and owners with any of the above and more. Your building will be in good hands with our trained and experienced waterproofing professionals. Contact us here to learn more about waterproofing your building.
Below-Grade Waterproofing
When you are constructing a building or unground structure, such as an underground parking garage or basement, you’ll need below-grade waterproofing to make sure it keeps its structural integrity. These areas are subject to flooding and waterproofing is a way to prevent damage and increase the life of the structure. There are a few ways to install this waterproofing system, but the process refers to applying a waterproof coating or other material to the walls of the foundation, usually during the construction stages.
Because buildings’ foundations are constructed of concrete, it is porous and can crack over time. One health hazard to consider is mold and mildew growth due to water damage. Below-grade waterproofing creates a barrier between your building’s foundation and the earth. Along with below-grade waterproofing, making sure the building has proper drainage is also a huge aspect of mitigating these types of issues.
Below-Grade Waterproofing Types
Positive-Side Waterproofing – This application is done on the outside of the foundation where it will touch soil. This can consist of fluid-applied seamless membranes, sheet systems, or a combination of the two.
Negative-Side Waterproofing – This is applied to the interior of the building. It stops water and other materials from entering the building but not from penetrating the foundation. Because of this, it is usually done in conjunction with positive-side waterproofing or when the positive-side can not be done.
Overall, below-grade waterproofing protects your building by ensuring there is a barrier between the foundation and the outside elements. Without waterproofing, you could deal with structural issues, flooding, water damage, and toxic materials. When done correctly, below-grade waterproofing greatly reduces the risk of damage and protects your building and investment. To talk to one of our team members about the best waterproofing options for your project, contact us today!
Davit Testing and Why it’s Important
What is a Davit?
If you are planning on having your building’s windows washed or waterproofed, the first thing you want to consider is safety. Roof davits, also referred to as tie-back anchors or tie-downs, allow contractors or trained employees to access the facade of the building. By using a davit, you can suspend a platform down the side of the building so the individuals performing the service can have a steady and safe working platform for maintenance, cleaning, and repair services. These anchors are required for any building with 4 or more stories and 3 or more stories if ground equipment can not easily reach areas that need to be repaired or maintained.
Davit Specifications & Testing
Davit testing and inspections are an important part of your building’s safety. OSHA has several standards to regulate davits to ensure safety. Davits must be ASTM A36 steel construction and fully galvanized finish to ASTM A123 standards. After the davit is installed on your roof, it must be tested and inspected.
A davit system must be recertified every ten years. Recertification is required every five years if adhesive, epoxy, or chemically bonded anchorages are used. When testing the equipment to OSHA requirements and certification, a load test will be done to verify the strength of the davit. These anchors need to withstand an ultimate load of 5,000 lbs in any direction. While it is required that the davit be recertified every ten years, a visual inspection will need to be performed once a year.
Why is Davit Testing Important?
There are many reasons to have davit testing performed. It ensures that your building is up to code and help prevents falls. It is a vital part of ensuring a safe work environment. This also keeps you in compliance with OHSA and other government agencies regulations.
Our team can help you make sure buildings and davits are up to code and safe. Our trained professionals ensure structural integrity and compliance through testing and visual inspections. Contact us today to learn more about davit testing or schedule a service.